Cam

Fleming

The 10-year veteran will return to the Broncos after starting 15 games in 2022 at both tackle spots. The Broncos signed Mike McGlinchey to man the RT spot. Garrett Bolles is expected to be ready for Week 1, but Fleming is a solid depth add in case something unforeseen occurs.

Fleming entered the league in 2014 with the Patriots before spending time with the Cowboys, Giants, and Broncos. The nine-year veteran started 15 games in Denver in 2022 but has made only 61 starts through 111 appearances. Jacksonville also hosted Fleming for a visit in early April.

The Jaguars are in need of some help at the tackle position after right tackle Jawaan Taylor left for the Chiefs this offseason. Fleming started 15 games for the Broncos last season, with nine of those starts coming at right tackle. The veteran offensive lineman allowed 28 pressures and seven sacks on 605 dropbacks, earning a PFF pass block grade of 74.1.

Fleming spent last season with Broncos, appearing in five games while making four starts at right tackle. An eight-year veteran of the league, Fleming has also spent time with the Patriots, Cowboys and Giants, starting all 16 games for the Giants in 2020. The move comes after offensive tackle Billy Turner was added to the active/PUP list to start the season. Fleming is likely nothing more than added depth to the line at this point.

Fleming was signed to compete at right tackle, but he didn’t pan out. Denver coach Vic Fangio noted that Fleming and defensive lineman Shamar Stephen, who the Broncos also cut, will “both be back.” Their releases were done to reclaim some cap space. The Broncos also waived/released CB Nate Hairston, OT Quinn Bailey, TE Shaun Beyer, WR Tyrie Cleveland, RB Damarea Crockett, TE Austin Fort, OT Drew Himmelman, WR Kendall Hinton, DT Isaiah Mack, S Trey Marshall, CB Mac McCain III, CB Parnell Motley, WR De’Mornay Pierson-El, FB Adam Prentice, LB Curtis Robinson, QB Brett Rypien, G/C Austin Schlottmann, RB Stevie Scott III, CB Saivion Smith, DE Marquiss Spencer, OLB Derrek Tuszka, LB Barrington Wade and WR Seth Williams.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth “up to” $3.67 million. NBC Denver’s Mike Klis expects Fleming to duke it out with Bobby Massie opposite Garett Bolles after the Broncos lost 2020 opt-out Ja’Wuan James to a torn Achilles’ tendon. Fleming was a 16-game starter for the Giants last season, albeit not a good one. 2021 will be his age-29 campaign. There are worse back-up plans.

Starting LT Andrew Thomas, starting C Nick Gates, and starting RT Cam Fleming were among the linemen not practicing Thursday, along with Hernandez. This doesn’t mean the Giants will have to start practice squad offensive linemen against the Bucs on Monday night, though the situation is worth monitoring.

Fleming was signed as a swing tackle, but he’ll get the first chance at replacing Nate Solder. He’ll be pushed by third-rounder Matt Peart, Eric Smith and Chad Slade during training camp. Nick Gates, who the Giants planned to move to center, could also be an option at right tackle.

Fleming reunites with OC Jason Garrett and OL coach Marco Colombo who were with him in Dallas. The Cowboys declined Fleming’s option Tuesday, sending him to the market. Fleming, 27, has started 26 of the 75 career games he’s played in and shouldn’t be relied upon as a starter for the G-Men.

It’s still possible Dallas brings him back for less than his $4 million option would have entailed. The 27-year-old swing tackle is also a candidate to reunite with Giants OC Jason Garrett in New York.